100-Plus Foundations Stand United as White House Goes on the Attack
The philanthropies wrote an open letter that condemns political violence and defends their freedom of speech and the freedom to give.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
The Counterculture That Could Stop Political Violence
Amid the rage that followed Kirk’s assassination, young people are building a hopeful movement that could push the country away from violence and toward the change philanthropy seeks.
By Manu Meel
Contributor
How to Talk About Bequests Without Being Morbid? A Legacy Challenge
Matching campaigns for planned gifts are raising significant sums. Fundraisers share their best tips for a successful drive.
By David L. Wheeler
Contributor
Big Funders Pour $56 Million Into Civics at a Fractured Moment
Ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday, the effort aims to rekindle learning, engagement, and action through support of a growing network of civic organizations.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Kresge Foundation Returns to Detroit After Decades in the Suburbs
After the 1967 riots, the Kmart-funded philanthropy moved its headquarters to Troy, Mich. The move back to Detroit will be accompanied by $180 million in funding for the northwest section of the city.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
A Rescue Plan for Local Public Media That Conservatives Will Love
Right-of-center donors would join with their progressive counterparts to replace lost federal funding — if the money went to local stations.
By Howard Husock
Contributor
Patagonia’s ‘Dirtbag’ Billionaire Is Out to Transform Philanthropy
David Gelles’s new book examines the life of Yvon Chouinard, an entrepreneurial outdoorsman whose $3 billion company is now giving its profits to a charity fighting the environmental crisis.
By Tamara Straus
Contributor
I Said No to Wealth Hoarding and Left My Family Foundation Behind
The author learned lessons from her family’s approach to philanthropy that convinced her a different path was needed — for her and the larger sector.
By Katherine Hayes
Contributor
This Foundation Measures Its Impact by One Number. Is That a Model for Success?
The Lumina Foundation threw virtually all its resources at changing one metric. Now, with its holy grail in sight, it’s making the goal even harder to reach.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
$50 Million Gift Continues Billionaire’s Run of Medical Center Contributions
Plus, a South Dakota public school system and university are sharing a $33 million donation that will provide students and teachers scholarships.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Foundation Coffers Are Full as Pressure Mounts to Increase Giving
Foundation assets are at an all-time high following two years of solid investment returns. Projections suggest that will translate to increased giving in 2025, but how much?
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
A Bold Experiment in How Community Foundations Can Galvanize Local Philanthropy
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is using its centenary to raise funds for an unusually large scholarship program, in addition to other efforts to spur economic mobility.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Walton Family Foundation Loses Fourth Leader Since 2016
Stephanie Cornell will step down as executive director of the $7 billion Walton Family Foundation, the philanthropy Walmart built.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Philanthropy’s Road Forward: 6 Takeaways From Traveling the U.S. in Precarious Times
Over seven weeks, 22 book tour events, and discussions with thousands of funders, the message was clear: the structures of the past are damaging the sector and must change.
By Dimple Abichandani
Contributor
Why Big Gifts Dropped in 2025 and Will Soon Rise
Tax-code changes and other political and economic forces are causing some ultra-wealthy donors to wait until the end of the year or to give quietly.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
6 Proven Ways to Capture Grants That Increase Capacity
Foundation leaders share insights into what it takes to secure grants that enable organizational growth.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions